That type of sovereignty that thrives on legitimacy is__________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which type of sovereignty "thrives on legitimacy." Legitimacy means the right to rule, which comes from the people's acceptance and consent of those governed.

Step 2: Explain the concept Sovereignty is the supreme power of a state to make and enforce laws within its territory. It is classified in different ways:

• Legal sovereignty: the authority that makes laws and is recognized by law (e.g., Parliament or the Constitution). It is based on legality, meaning the law gives it authority.
• Political sovereignty: the power behind the legal sovereign, which is the electorate or the people. It is based on legitimacy, meaning acceptance and consent by the governed.
• External sovereignty: a state's independence from control by other states. It concerns recognition in international relations.
• Popular sovereignty: the idea that ultimate authority lies with the people.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. External sovereignty: concerns independence from foreign control, not legitimacy. Wrong.
• B. Vested on any form of government: sovereignty is not simply held by any government. A government that lacks the people's backing can have power without legitimacy. Wrong.
• C. Legal sovereignty: this rests on legality (the law), not legitimacy. Wrong.
• D. Within the people's mandate: legitimacy comes from the consent and mandate of the people, which is the essence of popular or political sovereignty. Correct.

Step 4: Answer The sovereignty that thrives on legitimacy is the one that rests on the people's mandate, so the answer is D.

Exam tip: Link the words to the concepts:

• Legal sovereignty goes with legality (the law).
• Political/popular sovereignty goes with legitimacy (the people's consent and mandate).

When you see "legitimacy" in a Government question, think of the people's consent.